Oxley Wild Rivers National Park

Thundering waterfalls, deep gorges and ancient rainforest – Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is one of New South Wales’ most dramatic wilderness areas, a World Heritage-listed slice of the Gondwana Rainforests that feels a world away from the coast. The park protects the rugged escarpment and river valleys of the Macleay River, with lookouts that plunge your gaze into misty chasms hundreds of metres deep. It’s a place for hikers, birdwatchers and anyone who wants to feel truly small against the forces of nature.

Highlights & What to See

• Wollomombi Falls – one of Australia’s highest waterfalls, plunging 220 metres into the gorge. The lookout offers heart-stopping views, especially after rain.
• Apsley Falls – a twin-drop cascade that’s easily accessible via a short walk from the carpark. The sheer scale of the gorge is mesmerising.
• Budds Mare – a rocky outcrop with panoramic views over the Macleay River valley, perfect for sunset photography.
• Green Gully Track – a challenging 4–5 day loop through rainforest and eucalypt forest, with remote campsites and abundant birdlife (including glossy black cockatoos).
• Oxley Wild Rivers Lookout – a quick stop with sweeping vistas over the wilderness, ideal for a picnic.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors tackle the park as a day trip from Armidale or Port Macquarie, which gives you enough time to visit the main lookouts and tackle a short walk (1–2 hours). If you’re a keen bushwalker, plan for at least two days – one for the Apsley and Wollomombi Falls area, and another to explore the Green Gully Track or a section of the longer trails. Overnight camping is available at several sites, but you’ll need to be self-sufficient.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Armidale – a lively country town with excellent cafés, the New England Regional Art Museum, and a gateway to the national park.
• Port Macquarie – coastal contrast with beaches, the Koala Hospital, and the scenic Hastings River.
• Dorrigo National Park – another Gondwana rainforest gem with a famous skywalk and crystal-clear swimming holes.
• New England National Park – wildflower displays and the dramatic Point Lookout, just north of Oxley.
• Waterfall Way – the scenic drive linking several national parks and waterfalls from Coffs Harbour to Armidale.

Please check official sources for current details.